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Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? 7 Reasons & How to Stop It

  • Writer: Marek Drzewiecki
    Marek Drzewiecki
  • Mar 20
  • 8 min read

Dogs eating poop, also known as coprophagia, is a surprisingly common yet frustrating behavior for pet owners. While this habit might seem disgusting, it often has logical reasons behind it. Some dogs eat feces due to nutritional deficiencies, while others do so out of boredom, anxiety, or instinct. The good news is that understanding why dogs eat poop is the first step toward solving the problem.


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In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 7 reasons why dogs eat poop and provide expert-backed strategies to stop this behavior. Whether your dog is eating its own feces or those of other animals, this article will help you understand the causes and take the right steps toward a solution.


1. Instinctive Behavior & Evolutionary Reasons


Many pet owners are shocked when they see their dog eating poop, but this behavior is deeply rooted in canine evolution. In the wild, dogs and their ancestors, such as wolves, had reasons to consume feces as a survival tactic.


  • Preventing Parasites: Wolves and wild dogs sometimes eat poop to eliminate waste that could attract parasites or predators. By consuming feces, they reduce the risk of disease spreading within their dens.

  • Maternal Behavior: Mother dogs naturally lick their puppies to clean them and may consume their waste to keep the nest area sanitary. This instinct can sometimes persist into adulthood.


Even though domestic dogs no longer face the same survival challenges, these instincts can still influence their behavior. Some puppies mimic their mothers or siblings and develop the habit of eating poop, which may continue if not corrected early on.


2. Nutritional Deficiencies & Poor Diet


One of the most common reasons dogs eat poop is due to nutritional deficiencies. When a dog lacks essential nutrients, its body may signal the need to consume feces as a way to compensate for missing elements.


  • Lack of Digestive Enzymes: If a dog's diet lacks the necessary enzymes for proper digestion, it may seek out undigested nutrients in feces. This is especially common in dogs fed highly processed kibble with low biological value.

  • Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies: A deficiency in B vitamins, particularly B1, B6, and B12, has been linked to poop-eating behavior. Insufficient minerals like iron or zinc may also contribute to the issue.


To address this, pet owners should ensure their dog is eating a high-quality, protein-rich diet. Adding digestive enzyme supplements, probiotics, or raw food components can improve nutrient absorption and reduce the likelihood of poop consumption.


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3. Boredom & Lack of Mental Stimulation


Dogs are highly intelligent animals that require mental and physical engagement to stay balanced. When a dog is left alone for long periods or lacks stimulation, it may resort to eating poop out of boredom.


  • Self-Entertainment: Dogs who don't have enough activities, toys, or human interaction may see poop as an interesting object to explore.

  • Lack of Exercise: Without sufficient physical activity, dogs may develop undesirable behaviors, including poop-eating.


Providing interactive toys, engaging in daily exercise, and incorporating training sessions can help redirect a dog's focus away from poop and toward more appropriate behaviors.


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4. Learned Behavior from Other Dogs


Puppies and younger dogs often learn behaviors from observing other dogs, including the habit of eating poop. If a dog in a multi-dog household engages in coprophagia, others may imitate the behavior.


  • Pack Mentality: Dogs in group settings sometimes mimic behaviors without understanding their consequences.

  • Rescue Dogs & Shelter Environments: Dogs from shelters may have learned to eat poop due to food scarcity or stress-related behaviors picked up from other dogs.


If one dog in a household starts eating feces, it's important to monitor the others to prevent them from picking up the habit. Immediate intervention, environmental management, and training can help break the cycle of poop-eating behavior.


5. Attention-Seeking Behavior


Dogs are incredibly social creatures that thrive on human attention. Sometimes, a dog learns that eating poop triggers a strong reaction from its owner, even if that reaction is negative.


  • Seeking a Response: Dogs that feel neglected or lack interaction may engage in poop-eating as a way to get their owner's attention.

  • Negative Reinforcement Loop: Yelling or chasing a dog when it eats poop may unintentionally reinforce the behavior, making the dog more likely to repeat it.


To counter this, ignore the behavior when possible and focus on positive reinforcement for desired actions. Teaching the "Leave It" command and rewarding compliance can help redirect attention in a healthier way.


6. Stress, Anxiety & Punishment-Based Training


Stress and anxiety can contribute significantly to dogs eating poop. Dogs who have been punished for accidents inside the house may eat their feces out of fear of punishment.


  • Fear-Based Behavior: If a dog associates pooping with punishment, it may try to "hide the evidence" by consuming its feces.

  • Separation Anxiety: Dogs experiencing anxiety when left alone may develop poop-eating as a coping mechanism.


Avoid punishment-based training methods and instead focus on building confidence through positive reinforcement. If stress-related coprophagia is suspected, calming supplements, increased exercise, and structured routines can help reduce anxiety.


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7. Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? Medical Conditions & Parasites


Some cases of dogs eating poop are linked to underlying medical conditions that affect digestion, appetite, or nutrient absorption.


  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): A condition where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to malnutrition and poop-eating.

  • Intestinal Parasites: Worms and other parasites can rob dogs of nutrients, increasing cravings for feces.


A veterinary check-up is essential if a dog suddenly develops poop-eating behavior, especially if accompanied by weight loss, diarrhea, or excessive hunger.


 

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How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop


Stopping a dog from eating poop requires a multi-faceted approach:


1. Improve Your Dog’s Diet to Prevent Nutritional Deficiencies


One of the most effective ways to stop dogs from eating poop is to ensure they are getting a nutrient-rich diet that meets all their needs. A diet lacking in essential vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes can drive dogs to seek nutrients from feces.


✅ Upgrade to a High-Quality, Protein-Rich Diet

  • Choose high-protein, species-appropriate food with minimal fillers like corn or wheat.

  • Consider raw feeding or fresh food diets, which provide natural enzymes and nutrients.


✅ Supplement with Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics

  • Many commercial dog foods lack natural enzymes necessary for proper digestion. Adding a digestive enzyme supplement can improve nutrient absorption.

  • Probiotics support gut health, which can help reduce coprophagia linked to digestive imbalances.


✅ Check for Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies

  • B vitamins (B1, B6, B12) are crucial—if deficient, consider a vitamin B complex supplement.

  • Zinc and iron deficiencies may also contribute, so opt for a well-balanced supplement if necessary.


By improving your dog’s diet, you eliminate one of the most common causes of poop-eating and enhance their overall health.


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2. Increase Mental & Physical Stimulation


Boredom and lack of exercise are major contributors to poop-eating in dogs. Dogs need both mental and physical activities to stay engaged and avoid self-rewarding behaviors like coprophagia.


✅ Increase Daily Exercise & Playtime

  • At least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily (walks, running, fetch, agility training).

  • Rotate play activities to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom-related habits.


✅ Engage Their Mind with Puzzles & Training

  • Use interactive toys like snuffle mats, treat-dispensing toys, and puzzle feeders to keep their brain engaged.

  • Incorporate obedience training daily, reinforcing commands like “Leave It” to help curb poop-eating.


By ensuring your dog stays active and mentally stimulated, they are less likely to seek out poop as entertainment.


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3. Clean Up Poop Immediately to Remove Temptation


One of the simplest and most effective ways to stop dogs from eating poop is to eliminate access by keeping their environment clean.


✅ Scoop Poop Right Away

  • Clean up feces immediately in your yard, on walks, and in shared spaces.

  • Consider using a dog waste disposal system for convenience.


✅ Supervise Bathroom Breaks

  • If your dog is prone to eating its own poop, walk them on a leash and remove the waste as soon as they finish.

  • In a multi-dog household, monitor interactions to prevent one dog from eating another’s waste.


By keeping the environment clean and poop-free, you remove the opportunity for coprophagia to develop or continue.


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4. Use Positive Reinforcement to Teach "Leave It" & Reward Good Behavior


Training your dog with positive reinforcement techniques is essential for breaking the habit of poop-eating. Instead of punishing them, which can increase anxiety and worsen the behavior, focus on redirecting their actions toward positive behaviors.


✅ Teach the "Leave It" Command

  • Hold a treat in your hand and say “Leave It” when your dog tries to take it.

  • Reward them when they back away.

  • Once they understand, practice with items on the ground, including poop.


✅ Reward Good Behavior Instead of Reacting to Poop-Eating

  • If your dog successfully ignores poop, immediately praise and treat them.

  • Carry high-value treats on walks to reinforce alternative behaviors.


With consistent training and rewards, your dog will learn to ignore poop voluntarily instead of feeling the need to eat it.


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5. Address Anxiety & Reduce Stress-Related Coprophagia


Stress, anxiety, and fear can contribute to poop-eating, particularly in dogs who have been punished for accidents or have a history of negative reinforcement training. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety or stress may engage in poop-eating as a coping mechanism.


✅ Create a Calm & Structured Routine

  • Dogs thrive on routine—feeding, walks, and playtime should be predictable and consistent.

  • Minimize loud noises or stressful environments that may cause anxiety.


✅ Provide Comfort & Security for Anxious Dogs

  • Calming supplements like L-theanine, valerian root, or CBD oil can help ease anxiety.

  • Use a safe space (like a crate or quiet room) where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.


By reducing stress triggers and providing a secure environment, dogs are less likely to develop stress-related coprophagia.


6. Use Taste Deterrents to Make Poop Unappealing


For dogs that continue to eat poop despite dietary and behavioral changes, using deterrents can help make feces unpalatable.


✅ Add Stool Deterrents to Your Dog’s Diet

  • For-Bid and NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent are supplements that alter poop’s taste, making it less appealing.

  • Natural deterrents include:

    • Pineapple: Contains bromelain, which may make poop taste unpleasant.

    • Pumpkin: Aids digestion and can discourage poop-eating.


✅ Apply Bitter Spray to Outdoor Feces

  • If poop is left outdoors (e.g., in a dog park), spraying it with bitter apple spray or cayenne pepper can discourage consumption.


Using taste deterrents is an effective short-term solution while working on behavioral modifications.



7. Rule Out Medical Conditions & Consult a Vet


If a dog suddenly starts eating poop or does so persistently despite intervention, an underlying medical condition may be at play. A veterinary check-up is essential to rule out health issues.


✅ Get a Full Health Evaluation

  • Bloodwork & Stool Tests – Check for vitamin/mineral deficiencies, parasites, or infections.

  • Digestive Health Assessment – Conditions like Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) or malabsorption disorders can trigger poop-eating.


✅ Treat Any Identified Health Issues

  • If worms or parasites are present, deworming treatments will help.

  • If your dog has digestive enzyme deficiencies, a prescribed enzyme supplement will improve absorption and eliminate poop cravings.


By identifying and treating health-related causes, you eliminate the root issue behind poop-eating behavior.

Final Thoughts: Consistency is Key


Stopping dogs from eating poop requires a consistent and multi-faceted approach. By combining proper nutrition, training, environmental management, and medical evaluation, pet owners can successfully eliminate this behavior.



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